Gates sparks security alert

A party at Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates' waterfront mansion recently became the focus of unusual police attention.

The US Department of Homeland Security announced a "temporary security zone" earlier this month around Gates' Lake Washington home, saying in a notice published in the Federal Register that the move was necessary to prevent "terrorism, sabotage or other subversive acts."

Security zones prevent any person or watercraft from entering the area without explicit government permission. They're normally used to tighten security around military bases and naval facilities, and it's exceedingly rare for them to be erected around a private residence.

The reason for the "Gates Residence Security Zone," which locked down all of Lake Washington south of the Highway 520 bridge and stayed in effect for two days, was a private party the Microsoft billionaire threw on 18 July.

Gates had invited over members of the National Governors Association, who were in Seattle for their annual conference. Microsoft also wrote a check for $150,000 to be an "emerald" sponsor of the NGA meeting, which about 30 governors attended.

Among the NGA meeting attendees: Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson, both former governors, as well as former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and ex-White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta. Gates' homestead is approximately 48,000 square feet with a garage that reportedly accommodates 30 cars.

Declan McCullagh writes for News.com